Wednesday, November 5, 2025 -A powerful earthquake has struck northern Afghanistan, inflicting significant damage on the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, one of the country’s most cherished landmarks and a symbol of its cultural and spiritual heritage.
Early reports indicate that several of the mosque’s famed turquoise tiles and towering minarets have cracked or collapsed amid the tremors, which left dozens injured and nearby structures in ruins. Rescue workers are now racing against time to assess the full extent of the destruction and aid those affected.
The Afghan public has reacted with deep sorrow, viewing the damage to the centuries-old shrine not only as a cultural loss but also as a blow to national identity. Social media has been flooded with images of the shattered mosque under hashtags like #PrayForAfghanistan and #SaveTheBlueMosque, while UNESCO and international preservation groups have pledged support for restoration.
Amid grief, residents in Mazar-i-Sharif have been seen gathering in the mosque’s courtyard for prayers, a quiet show of resilience in the face of tragedy.
The earthquake’s impact extends beyond physical destruction; it underscores Afghanistan’s fragile state as it grapples with limited infrastructure, economic hardship, and political instability. Restoring the Blue Mosque will require global cooperation and funding, but for many Afghans, its restoration represents something even greater: a chance to reclaim beauty and hope amid years of turmoil.
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